Pride in Place: 40 neighbourhoods join transformational programme

Thousands more people handed the power to decide how millions are spent in their area as Pride in Place programme expands

Thousands more people in England will be given the power to transform their communities as the government expands its pledge to restore pride in their local neighbourhood.

Local people in 40 new areas will be able to decide where up to £20 million is invested in their neighbourhood – whether that’s breathing new life into high streets, saving much-loved community spaces, or bringing people together through local events and activities. 

The new package, worth up to £800 million, will build on the success of the £5 billion Pride in Place programme that has so far helped hundreds of neighbourhoods take control of their futures and bring real change to their communities. 

In Rawtenstall, students have been asked to imagine their ideal town. In Hastings, board members have been out talking to people at park runs, festivals and supermarkets to hear what matters most to them.  

The results are already visible. In Ramsgate, £500,000 secured the freehold of the town’s last remaining youth centre – saving it for generations to come.

In Elgin, Scotland, £1 million has been set aside to build a brand-new regional athletics hub, bringing sports clubs from across the northeast together under one roof. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “It is the same story in towns across the country. Youth clubs that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets decimated.

“We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities and give power, agency and control to the very people who want to improve their community – those who have skin in the game.

“Through the Pride in Place Programme, communities – backed by the state and fired up by pride – will join the fight for national renewal and a Britain built for all.”

 Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “Pride in Place is about giving power to local people who know best what needs to change in their area.

“The ambitious plans we’re seeing take shape in communities across the country is proof that when you give local people the tools to do the job – things get better.”

More than just funding, the Pride in Place Programme represents a shift in power into the hands of local people who know their communities best. This builds on the rich tapestry across the country of community leaders, volunteers and grassroots organisations already working hard to support their communities and making them a better place to live for everyone. 

Neighbourhood Boards, who oversee the funding allocated to their communities and are made up of local residents, are now up and running, listening to their communities and deciding where the money will go.

Crucially, Pride in Place is about establishing long-term change, and creating a legacy of community-centred action, delivery and empowerment which will last far beyond the decade long programme.   

Today’s announcement will mean a total of around 380 areas will get funding, with the benefits rippling far beyond individual neighbourhoods, with thriving and more cohesive communities helping to build a stronger, more prosperous country for everyone.

Lectures and exhibitions at Corstorphine Library this month

For all of February, we are hosting an exhibition from the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Police Historical Society about Edinburgh & Leith during World War II.

To tie in with this, we have a lecture on Monday 9th February at 6:30pm delivered by Tom Wood: The Bombing of Edinburgh & Leith – 1939-1942. There is no need to book ahead and it is free to attend.

We are hosting a second lecture on 23rd February on The Memorial Roll about Edinburgh Police and the uncommemorated lives lost during World War II – more details to follow.

The author, Gerard McEwan, has generously donated a copy of this book which is part of our Local History collection. Access this collection in the library and other resources online with your library card!

Scottish Budget: Finance Committee calls for government fiscal action

Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee has called for early fiscal action from the Scottish Government, and the next administration following May’s election.

In its budget report published yesterday, the committee wants an urgent review of social security spending and reform of local government taxation.

The committee has also made immediate recommendations to address pressure on local government finance and improve budget transparency – including clarity on baseline figures and ‘new’ money.

Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “This is our final budget report ahead of the Scottish election.

“Some recommendations are directed towards the government for immediate action others will be for the next administration to take forward after May.

“Frustratingly, some cross-party concerns set out in this report have been raised before with the government during this five-year session of Parliament – including issues of financial transparency, which have only been partly addressed.”

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Lauriston Castle launches centenary programme

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF LAURISTON

We are delighted this week to launch our centenary programme, celebrating 100 years since the Reids left Lauriston Castle to the nation.

We have over 120 events for you to explore and book, and for you to enter our magic. This year we have a strong nod to the 1920s to celebrate 100 years with lectures, talks, tours, creative workshops, family events and festivals, film screenings, theatre, Murder Mysteries, accessible days, community days and costumed events.

Here is a link to explore all the events:

https://cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/lauriston-castle

We have a fantastic new website and booking system this year, so things may look a bit different! 😀😍

Improved support for kinship carers

Amendments to Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) Bill

Plans have been unveiled to strengthen the legal rights for eligible kinship carers and make it simpler and clearer to access support for them and children they care for.

Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes introduced proposed Scottish Government amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill as stage two consideration of the legislation got underway.

The proposals would introduce a legal right for eligible kinship carers to be offered, and to request, a comprehensive needs-based assessment from their local authority, so families know what help they can ask for, how it will be considered, and can expect greater consistency across Scotland.

The move, if passed by MSPs, would make it easier for families to access financial, practical and advocacy support, by ensuring needs are considered in the round and linked to existing support routes.

The Bill already includes measures to enhance care and support for children in the care system, or who have left it. It forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s work to implement the recommendations of the Independent Care Review, known as The Promise.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Kinship carers provide vital stability for children within their family network, and comprehensive needs assessments will enhance families’ access to financial, practical and advocacy support, while improving local partners’ ability to tailor supports to meet their needs. 

“These amendments are about ensuring that children growing up in kinship care are properly supported in line with The Promise. They aim to improve consistency and transparency while retaining local flexibility, so families have clearer routes to support regardless of where they live.

“Progress continues to be made across Scotland on keeping The Promise and this Bill is an important aspect of our work to ensure all children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey. I look forward to engaging further with Members across the Chamber as the Bill progresses.”

Eligible kinship carers can already access a range of support, delivered through councils and national services. The needs-based assessment would consider the specific circumstances of the child and family, with a view to maximising access to appropriate existing supports.

Missing Man: Have You Seen James?

POLICE are appealing for assistance in tracing 24-year-old James Humble, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

James was last seen in the Dalkeith Road area around 7.35pm on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026.

He is described as white, around 5ft 10ins and of slim build with blond hair. He was wearing a dark-green jacket.

Sergeant Joe Perkins said: “We are extremely concerned for James’ wellbeing and officers are carrying out enquiries and searches to trace him as soon as possible, to ensure that he is safe and well.

“If you have seen James, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2963 of Wednesday, 4 February.”

Move to strengthen public confidence in Glasgow hospitals

New group to oversee safety work

Work on safety measures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) will be monitored by a new group made up of key infection control experts, whistleblowers and patients.

The move was announced by Health Secretary Neil Gray following evidence heard during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which was set up after a number of deaths and high levels of infection at the hospital prompted concerns about patient safety.

The Group will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – the Sir James Mackenzie Professor of General Practice at the University of Aberdeen – and Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

During his statement, the Health Secretary made clear that the work of this Group will not interfere with Lord Brodie’s independent inquiry and will make use of external independent scrutiny from Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Assure. Lord Brodie is expected to deliver his report later this year.

Mr Gray has also confirmed that all material relevant to the Inquiry was provided.

Mr Gray said: “I want to again recognise the profound distress experienced by patients, by grieving families, and by staff who have been impacted by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

“For many, the recent Inquiry hearings looking into the evidence relating to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, have reopened longstanding and deeply painful wounds. My thoughts remain with all those affected.

“Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered within the QEUH and RHC today.

“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will, from today, establish a high‑level Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group which will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – who has a very strong reputation in providing external leadership and scrutiny across the NHS – and the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Professor Jann Gardener.

“The Group will also stand ready to implement the findings from the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Enhanced reporting will be established with the Scottish Government who will provide scrutiny, challenge and support to the delivery of NHS GGC’s programme of work.

“All material relevant to the Inquiry has been preserved and submitted as evidence. Scottish Government officials are now examining how the documents referred to by the motion voted on by Parliament can be released safely and lawfully.

“This will see NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde taking significant, immediate steps to strengthen public confidence in the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children.”

Cats Protection launches short story competition

Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.

Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.

Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson. 

“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.

“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”

The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.

Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.

Eligibility

  • Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
  • Entrants must be aged 18 or over
  • Stories must be original and written in English
  • Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
  • Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
  • Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name 
  • One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)

Entry Process

  • Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
  • Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
  • The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.” 

All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.

Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory

Tracy Gilbert MP: Knife crime cannot be normalised – prevention must go further

Tracy Gilbert MP has spoken out about the impact of knife crime in Edinburgh North and Leith, warning that violence must never become accepted as part of daily life and that stronger preventative action is urgently needed.

Ms Gilbert was speaking following Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s commitment to strengthen knife safety measures across Scotland, including tougher regulation around the sale of knives.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Knife crime cannot be normalised. The impact it has on families and communities is devastating, and the loss of John McNab is something that continues to be felt deeply across our community. No family should ever have to endure that pain.”

Ms Gilbert paid tribute to John’s mum, Lisa Petrie, whose campaigning has led to bleed kits being installed in public spaces across the constituency and beyond.

“Lisa’s strength and determination in the face of unimaginable loss is extraordinary. Her work to bring bleed kits into our community is genuinely lifesaving, and it has already made a real difference. It shows what community action can achieve when people come together.”

However, Ms Gilbert stressed that while bleed kits are vital, they are not a substitute for prevention.

“Bleed kits save lives, but they exist because violence has already occurred. Families should not be left to lead campaigns after tragedy strikes. We must do more to prevent knives from being used as weapons in the first place.”

Ms Gilbert welcomed Anas Sarwar’s commitment to enhanced knife safety measures and action to support young people.

“It is reassuring that Anas Sarwar has committed to taking knife safety seriously. Strengthening controls on knife sales, alongside action on youth violence and mental health, is an important step towards breaking this cycle.”

“Everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith deserves to feel safe in their own community.”